Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a comforting one-dish meal combining tender marinated chicken, flavorful herbs, and creamy tzatziki sauce. The dish features a blend of spices and fresh zucchini baked alongside long grain rice in a savory chicken broth, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that's both wholesome and effortless to prepare.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
To Serve
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Fresh lemon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Marinate Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, all of the chopped herbs, and the spices. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let this mixture marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly into the baking dish with the marinated chicken. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is almost fully absorbed. If needed, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Final Steps: Remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the rice bake topped generously with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Accompany with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Using fresh herbs provides the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- Covering the dish tightly with foil ensures the rice cooks evenly by trapping steam.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/easy-chicken-tzatziki-rice-bake-recipe/
